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The Impact of Empathy
The Impact of Empathy
"I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it"
- Maya Angelou
In this self-reflective study, I explore the impact empathy has had on my life thus far and how it will best assist my future career as a Child Life Specialist. This journey of self-discovery is made through the practice of self-reflection. Utilizing the qualitative method of living research, I am closing this chapter of my life and opening up an opportunity for evolution and growth for the next stage. By making connections to a multitude of aspects of myself, I strengthened my perception of my identity. Drawing inspiration from several sources of influence in my life, including my closest relationships, old art pieces, reflections, passages, and more, I reflect on my past, present, and future.
Interludes
Interludes
Mirroring the method Campbell (2018) used in her final thesis, I have added notations to my original text. The purpose of this is to cognize new awareness and attestations I have gained upon further reflection. These will break will be noted in blue italics, like Campbell (2018) to represent my second layer of thinking and unfiltered thought processes.
My Epilogue
My Epilogue
"Knowing your purpose doesn’t make you happy. Success doesn’t make you happy. Connection is what makes you happy-connection to Self, to others, and to something greater”
-Justin Michael Williams
How can we as people make ourselves understood when we are so complex, and our capacity to feel is so profound? How do we try and connect when we barely have a connection to ourselves?
Dedications
This thesis is dedicated to my family, specifically my mom, Diana Reimer. We did it.
Additional Acknowledgements
I would like to give additional acknowledgments to Dr. Kathleen McLaughlin, my thesis advisor, for her constant support, guidance, and encouragement throughout not only this project, but my professional, academic and personal life. Without her, not only would this thesis not be something I am proud of, but I would not have been able to achieve the academic success I have today.
I would also like to thank all of the participants in this study, my family, Gail Cantor, Rebekah Schade, Emily Cooney, Makenzie Jankowski and Kelly Dillon. They all are the most important and special people in my life, and I am honored to have them be a part of this project.
I finally want to thank the Education Department of Endicott College. The Education Department has always been supportive of my ever-changing career aspirations, and have always made me feel safe and listened to.
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